This is Communications Committee member First Officer Scott Shankland with the APA Information Hotline for Friday, May 8.

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE: This week, APA and AMR negotiating teams met for our three days of bargaining for the month of May. Scope was the biggest issue discussed this week and APA Scope Committee Chairman Captain Len Turcotte skillfully explained that while every scope exception was agreed to based upon assurances it would be beneficial to AA pilots, not a single exception has worked out that way. Our negotiating team also highlighted how domestic codesharing, international alliances and the continued commuter air carrier expansion have contributed to the ongoing erosion of mainline flying opportunities. On the other side of the table, AMR negotiators attempted to justify the removal of restrictions on their ability to acquire unlimited numbers of 76-seat mainline jets for American Eagle and other non-owned commuter air carriers.

Other issues discussed this week included co-terminals, leaves of absences, training lock-ins, CRAF flying, Supplement Z, TUL M&E flying, and a recap of the ongoing efforts of the scheduling sub-committee. A more detailed recap of the week’s discussions will be posted next week on the apanegotiations.com Web site.

ASAP STILL ON HOLD: The APA National Safety Committee has been closely monitoring the ASAP approval process as our newly agreed-to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) works its way through the FAA. While final approval appears close, we want to remind all pilots to continue to utilize the APA Safety Committee for P2 reviews and assistance with NASA/ASRS reports. You may easily access Safety Committee assistance through the prominent button on the members' home page of alliedpilots.org.

That’s all we have for today. Remember, your participation is essential to our success in getting the contract you deserve! Thanks for checking this hotline.